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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2011

Governor Quinn Requests Federal Assistance for Local Governments Affected by Flooding Seeks Federal Reimbursement to Help Local Governments in Southern Illinois Recover Costs Related to Floods

CHICAGO – June 6 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today asked President Barack Obama for federal assistance to help local governments in 21 southern Illinois counties recover from major flooding and severe storms this spring. State and local government expenses related to the floods and storms are estimated at more than $20 million.

“Southern Illinois communities came together to fight widespread flooding and severe storms throughout the region,” said Governor Quinn. “That response helped save lives, but many communities will be unable to fully recover without federal assistance, which is why we must help them get the tools they need to rebuild.”

In late May, representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) met with local government representatives in nearly two dozen counties to review flood and storm-related expense information, including costs for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or replacement of governmental-owned facilities. Documentation of those expenses, along with costs incurred by the State of Illinois related to flood and storm response, was submitted with Governor Quinn’s request.

The counties included in the request all appear to meet or exceed the federal government’s $3.27 per capita threshold for eligible expenses.

In late May, Governor Quinn requested federal assistance to help people and businesses recover from flooding and severe storms. The state is awaiting a decision on that request. If approved, people affected by the storms and floods would be eligible to apply for grants and low-interest SBA loans. In addition, affected businesses would be able to apply for low-interest SBA loans.

On April 25, Governor Quinn issued a state disaster proclamation for the flooding and severe storms. The State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield was activated for more than two weeks to coordinate state support to communities battling flood waters on several rivers in Southern Illinois.